âYou have quite the fire in you. If things go wrong, feel free to take it out on Lyra.â
Kareen blinked, surprised. Then, she whispered something to the doctor, and he nodded before entering Zacharyâs room.
âFollow me,â the doctor coughed, leading Cherise, Damien, and Lyra to the adjacent room.
The room, though small, was clean and tidy, reflecting the meticulous nature of its occupant.
Kareen settled onto the bed, her gaze coolly fixed on Damien and Cherise. âI bet you didnât expect this, but Iâve been staying here for the past few days. I plan to make this my permanent residence while I take care of Zac.â
As she mentioned Zachary, Kareenâs face darkened. âI never realized how bad things were when he was around. Now, itâs all hitting me like a ton of bricks.â
She took a deep breath, then looked up with a wistful smile, her gaze drifting past Cherise as if searching for something in the distance. âAfter Aunt Charisa passed away, she left Zac in charge of the Miles family and gave him control of several businesses within the Miles Group. With all that power and responsibility, and with him always protecting me, I could do whatever I wanted in the Miles family. No one dared to oppose me.â
âI indulged in my whims and made unreasonable demands, but no one dared to stop me. But then, two days ago, Dad and Patricia found out about Zacâs car accident and his comaâ¦â
Her eyes grew darker. âThey kicked me out of the house, saying I wasnât a threat anymore without Zac to shield me and that they were tired of my behavior.â
Kareen looked at Damien, âIf you have a real plan to get back at those greedy bastards, Iâm willing to give Lyra a chance.â
Cherise was taken aback by Kareenâs words.
Looking at the broken woman in front of her, she blurted out, âYour dad and stepmom⦠they did this to you?â
âYep,â Kareen confirmed simply.
âButâ¦â Lyra stammered, âThis is the best hospital and ward in Ziphon. How are you paying for it after being kicked out of the Miles family?â
Kareen sniffed, turning away, âI sold all my fancy belongings. My brother is the best person ever. Even if Iâm broke and abandoned, I want him to receive the best care.â
Lyraâs lips tightened, a flicker of sadness crossing her clear eyes.
In the next moment, she pulled out her wallet, flipped through it, and handed Kareen the only two cards inside. âThis is what Iâve saved over the years. Itâs not much, but it should cover Zacâs stay here for a while.â
Kareen frowned, âYouâ¦â
Tm his fiancee, and itâs my responsibility.â Lyra met Kareenâs gaze, her eyes filled with determination. âI canât let you bear this burden alone. I have to contribute.â
Lyra smiled and added, âItâs the least I can do. And hey, even if you donât agree to the whole marriage thing. Iâll still help out.â
After all, this wasnât the first time Lyra had gone above and beyond for Zac.
Kareen stared at the cards in her hand, momentarily speechless. Eventually, she said, âThank you.â
The truth was, she could see the depth of Lyraâs love for Zac and the sincerity of her actions.